Macklin booed at NAIDOC night

Aboriginal leaders say people are angry that Ms Macklin has continued the Northern Territory intervention.

Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has been booed at an official function in Hobart because of her support for the Northern Territory intervention.

Ms Macklin was presenting the national NAIDOC awards at the annual Ball on Friday night.

Parts of the crowd booed and heckled as she took the stage.

The Chairman of the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania Clyde Mansell said he was not surprised the Tasmanian aboriginal community had reacted angrily to Ms Macklin.

"Jenny Macklin's done nothing to further the relationship of Aborigines in this state," Mr Mansell said.

"She's ignored our pleas for assistance on many occasions and also in terms of the Northern Territory intervention we've tried to make representations to her about that but she's ignored us."

Tasmanian Aboriginal leader Michael Mansell called for Ms Macklin to be replaced by former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

"Kevin Rudd was the one who gave the apology to the stolen generations and that had widespread support around the country," Michael Mansell said.

"I think that he has shown in more ways than one that he's prepared to stand up to the Prime Minister and he would be the sort of person that the Aboriginal people would welcome as the new Minister for Aboriginal Affairs."

Ms Macklin has been contacted for comment.

Despite the hitch, this year's NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award went to 62-year-old Mirning Elder Bunna Lawrie, who is a medicine man and songwriter.

He grew up on South Australia's Nullabor Plain and is best known for founding the band Coloured Stone, which won an ARIA Award in 1986.

Mr Lawrie says young Indigenous people need to be encouraged to follow their dreams.

"It's all about hope, inspiration and really help everyone to look at the right way to achieve what they want to achieve in life and how to go about it without drugs and alcohol," he said.